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e-Reader development project with Helsinki Universities

14.10.2011

Bluegiga contributing to the development project of the world’s thinnest e-reader, leaded by Helsinki Metropolia University of Applied Sciences in co-operation with Aalto University

The world’s thinnest e-reader tested in Vantaa

The prototype testing of a new e-reader was begun in Vantaa, Finland on 13 September. The electronic paper uses an extremely thin and low-power electronic e-reader to cover local news stories via the local digital TV network. The new e-reader has been developed in Finland.

The pilot project aims to determine how readers of print newspapers will respond to the thin and simple e-reader. The usability study, which is being carried out by Etnoteam Finland, will also collect feedback on the e-reader’s functionalities, data transfer and content concept.

The world’s thinnest e-reader

Families taking part in the study will use the extremely easy-to-use e-reader to access local news for a month. The Electria unit at the Helsinki Metropolia University of Applied Sciences will be leading the project in cooperation with Aalto University. “The e-reader is designed to receive data only, which makes it extremely thin, energy efficient and cost-effective in terms of manufacturing costs,” says Technical Project Director Sampo Nurmentaus at Helsinki Metropolia University of Applied Sciences. The e-reader is equipped with a 9.7 inch e-paper display and is only 3.8 mm thin. The device’s battery life is one week with a single charge. Future versions of the device will be solar powered, making it ideal for readers who are off the grid for long stretches of time.

The electronic local newspaper will be downloaded to the e-reader via a digital TV signal at night or automatically during daytime hours if necessary. DNA, a Finnish wireless carrier, will be responsible for data transfer in the digital TV network via its own DVB-T2 antennae network. “DNA wants to study how modern digital TV networks can be used to transfer different types of content and media. We also want to see if TV networks can be used to provide services that are not as time critical as TV broadcasts during off-peak hours,” says Development Director Juhani Simpanen at DNA.

Sanoma News, the leading newspaper publisher in Finland, is taking part in the project in order to develop a data transfer platform in tune with the media company’s needs. The aim is to make the new device available to households free-of-charge. “The newspaper business is experiencing a major transition in terms of content generation and distribution. At the same time the importance of local news is growing continuously. Taking part in this project allows us to see if we can provide residents in the Greater Helsinki area with local news in a completely new way,” says Janne Kaijärvi, Editor in Chief of Sanoma Kaupunkilehdet.

Bluegiga WT11 Bluetooth^® Module is being used in the e-reader, Bluegiga also offered technical consultation and support throughout the project.

Chinese markets

After the pilot project in Vantaa, the reading device will be piloted in Shanghai and Fengjyang, China at the end of 2011. People’s Daily, China’s biggest newspaper, will provide content for the new project. The e-reader pilot is part of a larger Sino-Finnish project to develop new data transfer channels that combine e-paper and digital TV. Finnish companies involved in the development project include DNA, Cubio, Bluegiga Technologies, Etnoteam Finland, Sanoma, Provoke and Yoka Consulting.

A new company has also been established in Finland to support the commercialization of the reading device and related technologies. The company will license the content channel and develop a commercial version of the reading device. “Our Chinese partners play a key role here, as this partnership will allow us to achieve potentially significant volumes in China after the pilot project,” says Tiina Vuorio, Head of China cooperation at Metropolia’s Electria unit. “With increased product development and volumes, we aim to deliver a competitive cost structure for the new media channel. No longer forced to deal with print and distribution costs, publishing houses will have an excellent incentive to offer the reading device at low price or for free,” adds Vuorio.

For more information:

Metropolia Electria unit, Sampo Nurmentaus, tel. +358 40 7769 772, Tiina Vuorio tel. +358 400 418 577, [email protected]

Tom Nordman
VP of Sales and Marketing
Bluegiga Technologies Inc.
[email protected]

Bluegiga Technologies Inc. provides Bluetooth-based wireless module and access device solutions to OEMs, integrators and teleoperators. The secure, cost-effective and easy to integrate devices are used by industry leaders in the areas of health and medical, automotive, audio, industrial, and consumer applications. Bluegiga was founded in 2000 with head office in Finland and sales offices in United States and Hong Kong. Through distribution network Bluegiga has presence in more than 65 countries worldwide. For additional information, please visit www.bluegiga.com

Bluetooth wireless technology is the global short-range wireless standard for personal connectivity from a wide range of electronic devices. The technology is now available in its fourth version of the core specification and continues to develop, building on its inherent strengths -a small-form factor radio, low power, low costs, built-in security, strength, accessibility, and ad hoc networking abilities. The installed Bluetooth device base was more than one billion products already at the end of 2006, making it the only well-known choice for developers, product manufacturers, and consumers worldwide.

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